Hand lift truck



Feb. 20, 1945. e. QUAYLE I HAND LIFT TRUCK Filed July 9, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheei 1 INVENTOR v ATTORNEY Feb. 20, 1945. G. QUAYLE 2,369,854

HAND LIFT TRUCK Filed July 9, 1945 5 Sfieets-Sheet 2 IN VENTOR BY Ma da/:1

ATTORNEY Feb. 20,1945. G. QUAYLE 2,369,854

HAND LIFT TRUCK Filed July 9, 1945 5 sheets-sheet s v INVENTOR A TTORNEY Feb. 20, 1945. G A L 2,369,854

HAND LIFT TRUCK Filed July 9, 1943 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR BY 2 Wr ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 20, 1945 George Quayle, Philadelphia,

' .Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company,

Pa., assignor to The Stamford, Conn a corporation of Connecticut Application July 9, 1943, Serial No. 493,970

48 Claims.

This invention mates to an industrial truck of the type in which'an elevating platform is lifted relatively to; a lifting head or main frame by lifting means actuated relatively to the lifting head. More particularly, my invention re--v lates to a truck of theclass described in which the lifting mechanism comprises mechanically actuated means carried 'onthe. lifting head'and adapted to apply lifting effort to the elevating platform whereby to raise that platform relatively to the'lifting head. In setting forth my inventionl shall describe it as applied tov an elevating truck of the single frame type; that is, a truck in whichfthe elevating platform is mounted at its forward end relatively to a lift-. ing head so that the forward end of the platform is liftedrelatively to the lifting head by means on theliftinghead, while: the rear end of the elevating platform is raised through load wheels pivotallyfsupported at that rear end and actuated through suitable mechanism extending toward the lifting head. i In my Patent No.

2,274,164 I illustrate a single frame truck of the class described. 1

The invention of. this application resides par-. ticularly in a new type of lifting mechanism and means for controlling that lifting mechanism. My invention resides also in the arrangement of mechanism for maintaining the elevating platform in any one of a series of lifted positions relatively'zto the" lifting head, and to con-- trolmechanism for controlling the lowering movement of the platform. A further feature of my invention resides in means for controlling in desired sequence the lifting mechanismand the devices controlling the loweringmovement of the elevating platform. a a

One important feature of my invention whereby the general results thereof are obtained resides in a novel form of lifting mechanism embodying a'lifti'ngmember movable'relatively to in contact withqa surface secured to the elevating platform, and to maintain pressurebetween the lifting member and said surface in order to guide the lifting member. It isa featureof my invention that the lifting member is guided in all positions thereof so as to be available at all times to lift the elevating platformwithout further manipulation of the parts.

As a further feature of this portion ofmy in vention, means are provided on the elevating platform so that the lifting member may have free movement relatively thereto at any time that it is not desired to lift the elevating platform, thus contributing what istermed in the art a free lifting and steering handle. It is still a further. feature of this portion of .my invention that when the lifting member and the lifting lever handle are in a free position, the mere movement upwardly of the lifting lever handle and the consequent movement of the lifting member, will effect an engagement of the lifting member with the surfaces against which lifting pressure isapplied. This automatic engagement of the lifting member relatively to the elevating platform is exceedingly importantin that it makes it unnecessary for the operator to'perform an operation when he desires to lift the platform. In the construction of my invention, a furthercontribution is inherent and rethe liftinghead, preferably by. the usual lifting and steering lever, and adapted. for free movement relatively to its actuating means sothat while; lifting thrust: may be imparted to said lifting member by the lifting'lever, its direction of j sides in the feature that this automatic engagement may take place inany one of a series of lifted positions of the elevatingplatform.

As a further feature of my invention, once the elevating platform is raised to a particular lifted position, the lifting member and the lifting lever handle will have free movement within a zone extendingfrom the extreme elevating platform. To obtain a free movement of the lever handle'beyond the said position it is only necessary to move control means for allowing the lifting member to move freely relatively to the elevating platform.

motion is not necessarily controlled by said 'li-fting lever. Suitable guide mechanism is provided,

as afeature of this portion of my'invention, for

guiding the lifting member relatively-to. a surface on the elevating platform against which it operate's to effect the lifting of the elevating platform. In' the prior art a somewhat similar typeof lifting member has been utilized, but it has been necessary to placethe lifting. member A further feature of my invention resides in that construction whereby the l fting lever handle may contribute compound lifting movement to the lifting member. Thus, the initial lifting movement imparted to the lifting member is directly applied thereto by the lifting lever through one thrust surface during the first part of the lifting movement. Thereafter, a second thrust surface on the lifting lever handle contributes the final lifting'movement. While compound lifting movement has been obtained initial vertical position of the lifting handle down to'a position corresponding to the lifted position of the p earlier in the art, it has never been obtained through direct contact of a lifting member with a surface formed as an integral part of the lifting lever.

As a further feature of my invention, the lifting member may take the form of a strut mounted for movement in the steering axis of the steering head of the lifting head, so as to be operable in all positions of the steering head; It

is a further feature of my invention that the strut is rotatable with the lifting lever while freely pivoted relatively thereto so that in all rotated positions of the steering head the compound lifting movement previously described may be imparted to the lifting strut.

A still further feature of my invention resides in a hydraulic mechanism and its mounting and control, whereby the elevating platform is maintained in any lifted position, and whereby its lowering movement is controlled. As a particular feature of this portion of my invention, the means whereby a treadle may control a valve mechanism of the hydraulic holding means is of specialimportance. A still further feature of my invention resides in the sequential control of the lifting mechanism and the hydraulic holding mechanism whereby to yield a free lifting lever handle prior to lowering movement of the elevating platform.

I have thus described generally th main features of my invention in order that a better understanding of the relation of my invention to the prior art may be had. There are of course additional valuable features inherent in my invention that I have not, up to this point, outlined, because those features will best be understood from the specific disclosure that follows.

Naturally, I consider my contribution to the art to be of considerable breadth, and I shall solicit for the grant of patent claims that will prevent the appropriation of my invention by those skilled in the art in forms varying mechanically from the particular form of my invention hereinafter set forth.

For a detailed description of my invention I shall refer to the drawings wherein Fig. 1 is a general elevation of a truck to which my invention i shown applied. Fig. 2 is a vertical partial section through the front end of the truck showing the elevating platform lowered. Fig. 3 is a section substantially along lines 33 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a section along lines 4-4 of Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a view of parts of Fig. 2 illustrating the automatic engagement of the lifting strut with the latch. Fig. 6 illustrates the parts of Fig. 2 when the elevating platform has been raised by operation of the lifting mechanism. Fig. '7 illustrates the relation of the lifting member or strut relatively to the lifting lever when the second thrust surface of the lifting lever is about to undertake the further actuation of the lifting strut. Fig. 8 is a partial view illustrating the relation of the part for controlling the lifting mechanism and the hydraulic dash pot when the lifting mechanism is released and the hydraulic holding mechanism is conditioned to allow lowering of the elevating platform.

I shall now refer more particularly to the drawings to describe the specific structure of the truck therein shown as embodying my invention. In describing the structure of the truck I shall refer to the parts by the specific names I have chosen for them, rather than by generic terms, but those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the parts of my invention may be varied widely while operating to yield the action that is the contribution of my invention.

Referring first to Fig. 1, I show there a single frame truck comprising an elevating platform I0 and a lifting head designated generally by reference numeral II, there being several reference numerals ll applied to the lifting head in order to indicate better its outline. The forward end of the elevating platform ID is formed with a vertical standard l2 a is well shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the standard being welded to the elevating platform or otherwise secured as manufacturing technique may make desirable.

' The upper end of the standard l2 has bearings the lifting head n.

at 13, |3a and l3b for holding a sleeve i i, and a link member I5 is formed with bored arms 16 whereby it is pivoted about the sleeve i i. A pin Ma holds the sleeve l4 secured to the standard l2 and within bearings l3, l3a and I317. The link l5 also has a bored portion H for the passage of a shaft l8 whereby said link I5 is pivoted to the lifting head H, the shaft l8 traversing bores IS on the said lifting head and being held in position by a suitable pin 20 well illustrated in Fig. 3. In thi manner, the elevating platform it may be said to be pivoted at th upper end of its standard [2 relatively to the lifting head through the link [5, the shaft l8 and the sleeve I4.

The lower end of the elevating platform immediately to the rear of the forward standard 12 is pivoted about shaft 2| to opposed links 22 that are in turn pivoted on a shaft 23 carried by the lower portion 24 of the lifting head H as best seen in Figs. 2 and 3. Through pins 25 the link 22 are pivoted to rods 26 that extend rearwardly to rear wheel supporting links 2'1, the said links 27 carrying the rear lifting wheels 28 of the elevating platform in. A plate 24a (Fig, 3) is held by a stud 24b in secured relation to link 22 and serves to hold shaft 23 in its proper position. As will be apparent, the upward movement of the elevating platform relatively to the lifting head about lower links 22 and the upper link 15 from the position of Fig. 2 to the position of Fig. 6, in a manner to be described hereinafter, effects not only an elevating of the forward end of the elevating platform, but also the downward movement of the rear wheels 28 to lift the rear end of the elevating platform ID. The particular construction of the parts so far described, with the exception of the utilization of the sleeve I4 is old in the art. The use of the sleeve I4 rather than a shaft is extremely novel and allows for the novel control of the hydraulic dashpot of my truck as will'appear presently.

The hydraulic dashpot or hydraulic holding mechanism is designated generally by reference numeral 29 in Figs. 2, 3 and 8, and comprises a cylinder 30 that is pivoted at shaft 31 to A sleeve like piston 32 forms the ram of the dashpot and carries a piston head 33 that slides within cylinder 30. The piston or ram 32 extends outwardly of the cylinder 38 through a closing block 34 and is transversely bored at 35 so that it may be secured about the sleeve I4. The upper end of the ram fitting about the sleeve I4 may be fitted with a cylindri- '"spring fl that: presses'the ballvalve 38 into its-position o'f' 'Fig. 3, and the particular sealing means 2gsoezes4 "position of Figs; 2 1 efifl It will be quite apparent that as the ram #32 u'noves upwa'rdly incidental to the upward m'ove-' merito'f the sleeve l land the elevating platform I 0, fluid will flow from in baek of thepiston' head 3'3 through the .passages 3l wand :pa'st the spring and atoathepesitren-or rigs.

, -pressedballvalve 38 into the -chaniber'below'the "piston-head 33. "The'mannerof mounting the the ram '32 and by the reinforcing member 36,

the upper end er the rod 40 being formed with "an enlarged portion 42 "fitting within a bore 43 in "the member-3'6; A spring 44 presses at its lowerendagains't the-cap '41 and at its upper end --against theenlarged-portion 42 pressing the valve rod '40 upward'ly. 'A small ball Mi li'e's between,

ttheup'per end' of the portion 42"of the valve rod 4'fl'and a rotary control' c'am 46 "housed within the-sleeve '44. "It is obvious of course, that rotation of the "control cam 46 to "the position ofEFig. 8 will effect the depress'ionof the valve rod 46 and'the movement'of' the hall 38, from itsseat to allow' a aflowof hum from the lower "side of the piston head33 "toitsfiupper-fside. 4

, A valuablefiature of this portion of my invention resides in the comparative simplicity of the "control of "the hydraulic 'mechanism"through :utilizationof the sleeve =1 4 asthe mounting member for the control cam 46. A further important feature of'this portion of my invention resides "in the use o'f the ball ia as themean's for permitting-upwardflow of fluid through'the piston head 33. Because the sur face df ithe ball valve 38 is :comparativelyflsmall, it will :require very little force toimove it from its seat to permit :lo'weringmovement'of the elevating platform. I shall Lhereinafter describe the :mechanism whereby the :control 'cam- 46 :is operated an'd: whereby the ele- -vating platform :is raised.

Referring now=to Figs. 1, 2,-'6 and 'l, the forward end of my flitting head is formed with'e "bearing for the rotation of'w'h'a't :Itterm a steer ring head-50. This steering'rheadis of the usual form well known in the art and rotates relatively ;to the lifting head H, carrying withit the for ward steering wheel 5|. A lifting and steering lever 52 is:;pivoted at-'53 =on the steerin'gheadfor downward vertical movement, and {of course ITO- tates ,the steering head. The construction "of the lifting headand the lifting lever, insofar as'they ihave been set forthzls cquitewellknown injthe art, being shown *in *myearlier patentapplications andpatentsanddt is thereforeinot:thoughtmecea 'sary 'to describe'ithere.

Forithe purpose of mn'dersta'nding my present inventionxitiis merely'nece'ssa'ry to note that the lower endxof "the lever handlefi is bifurcated to form a-pairfofsideplates 54 and" 55 between which 'iscarrier a firstpin 56 *and -a second pin 51 (Figs. 6-and 7.) A'liftingxs'trut 58'fitsbetween thepl'ates' "54and' 55 iofthe bifurcated lever'h'andle 52 and-is 'slottedra't 59zso that' it maybe' mounted about the p'inltt. time lowers-tend df th'e ilifting struts isiformed with aisuflace fin adapteiiifor contact with the secondpin i-l' 'as willihereinafter be set forth. r5

- 'uformediwith an over-extending portion 6 I on whiehrlis forme'd a fguide member 162 for :the 11pi-p'eriend' of the strut 158. lThisguidemember '62 iis fsleevelike inlform, and m aybe said to have atheishaperof :amone. "It :is islottedzat 63 'forthe ilatera'.l movenrent-of..a' latch member 64 that mi-voted'thmugh shaft 651m; a controllever 66 Righ). This control lever 66 is itself :"pivoted ithrough shaft 61 for :pivotal movement on" the .315 part 51 -of'theflifting ihead'standard as is probably 'bestl illustratedv fFigs. -12,- 4, 5 and 'fi. "A downwardly iextendingo'fisetlporti'on 68 is' formed as .an integral part "of-control lever 16 6. and is utivlizecl as will appearbelow.

:A "footrtreadle :69 :is S'formed integrally with the controlcam-46 earlier described. so that the foot t'readle and .cam :aremrotated as a unit. The atreadle=69 isr supported atw-its left end'in Fig.3 through :the fcontrol cam 46 mountedin bearing 35 lfia forme'd on the standard '12 of the elevating platform. .Atits 'otherend, the foot .treadle 69 Yis'supportedbycontrolcam 46 through itsmount- =ingwithin*'sleeve 44. =Aspring '10 is secured at -H to the foot treadle-ES and at 12 -to-a bracket T3 form ing-aipart of the elevating :frame. It isfthe' functionsof the :spring :10 tourge the foot treadle 69 into its position of Figs. 2 ?and 3, in which position the valve 38 of the hydraulic mechanism is set to allow "forzliftingmovementof the elevating .platform and a;h'olding of the-elevating platform in each of its :lifted positions.

The body of :the treadle 69 is formed with .an offsetzportion that terminates in pin -16 and this'pin 1-6 lies between surfaces 1'! and -T|8 .of the spaced arms-68a and (Still-of the portion -68 of control lever \66. \In the position of :the parts in-Fig. 2, the pin lfi'tpresses against the surface -18 of the am 45811. of control lever, 66 so as to urge control lever 66 to maintain the latch =64 in .it-s.zpositionpverwthe lifting strut 58. This urging of control lever 66 is through the-spring l0 operatingagain-st treadle -69. In the particular position of the zpartsxdescribed, should the lifting lever handle 52 .be swung vertically downward apply ver'tical'thrust to the strut 58-.and latch '64 asfherinafter described, to raise the elevating platformffrom the position of- 2 to any elevat'ed .position, illustrated in Fig. 6.

"On the otherhand, with the parts in the position of Fig. '2, should it be desired to move the truck withoutlifting the elevating platform, the operator needs only to depress the treadle 159 to the position of Fig. 5. The ,pin 16 of arm l5-of 60 'trea'c'llefie. will then press against the surface 1-! 'ofthe'arm 68b 'of control lever 66 so as to move the lathf64into the full line position of Fig. '5. 'I'hestrut 58'maythen' bypass the latc'h '64, whereupon the're'lease of the foottreadle 69 will allow the latch 64 to press yieldingly against the strut "58j'as illustrated in dash and id'otf'line's in Fig.5. I If, after moving the truck the operator wishes -'tolift the elevating platform, he has only ,toli'ft the iever handle 52 "back tothe position ofTFig.

TiBFbel'oW the latch 64 so thatthe latch '54 is 'released to spring back'into the position ofFigIZ to accept application of liftingipres'surethereto that g the control cam '46 in 'Fig. i'has not moved he standard n of1the-elevating platform [0 aboutitsrp-ivot 53,'-the pins 56, 51 wouldof-course 2. "Thiswillbrin'gthe upper end of the strutball '45 nor valve rod 40, so that the hydraulic holding mechanism still holds the elevating platform in its fully lifted position.

If the operator wishes to lift the elevating platform to its position of Fig. 6, he swings the lifting lever handle 52 downwardly, lifting pressure then being applied through the first pin 56 to the strut 58 until the parts reach the position of Fig. 7. In the position of the parts in Fig. 7 the second pin 51 now contacts the surface 60 of the lifting strut 58 and it is through this second pin 5'! and surface 60 that the elevating platform is raised to the final position of Fig. 6. During this last movement of the parts, the first pin 55 will move relatively to the slot 59 from the position of Fig. 7 to its position shown in Fig. 6.

It will be appreciated that the first pin 56 is further displaced from the shaft 53 about which the lever handle rotates than is the pin 51. Therefore the initial lifting movement of the truck will be swift/er than thefinal lifting movement. but the mechanical lifting advantage will be greater during the final lifting movement is desired to lower the load. Naturally, the lifting handle 52 will thereafter have free movement from its vertical position of Fig. 2 to the particu lar position illustrated in Fig. 6. It is interesting to note that the elevating platform will be held in any position intermediate of Figs. 2 and 6, and that in all positions the lifting strut is effective to continue the lifting operation unless the latch 64 is withdrawn to the position of the Fig. 5.

If it be desired to release the elevating platform for lowering movement, the treadle 69 is depressed from its position of Fig. 6 into its lowering position of- Fig. 8, in which figure the valve rod 40 is shown depressed by control cam 46 and with the ball 38 lowered from its seat. Naturally, fluid will now flow freely from one side to the other of the piston head 33 to allow lowering of the elevating platform. It is-important to consider that before the foot treadle 69 may position the valve 38 for lowering movement of the elevating platform, it must first retract the latch 64 so that downward movement of the elevating platform will not. through contact of the latch 64 with lifting strut 58 effect an upward swinging of the lifting lever handle 52. Unless such safety means are provided, a swift lowering of the elevating platform may effect what is known in the art as a flying handle. the cause of numerous injuries to truck operators.

It is well to note that the foot treadle 69 'is pivotally carried on the elevating platform and that it moves downwardly withthe platform as the platform is lowered. Therefore, the operator must always follow the platform downwardly fully lowered position of Figs. 1 and 2, the lifting lever handle 52 may be swung downwardly to lift the platform. This lifting is accomplished by pressure of strut 58 against latch 64. No actuation of any parts is required as a requisite for the beginning of the lifting operation.

During lifting of the elevating platform the hydraulic dashpot assembly 29 will hold the platform against lowering movement from any elevated position thereof. In the fully elevated position of platform 10, the dashpot assembl will hold the said platform elevated until the treadle 69 is depressed. Treadle 69 just withdraws latch 64 through contact of its pin part 16 with surface ll of arm 68b of part 68 of lever 66; thus contributing a free handle. Further movement of treadle 69 moves valve rod 40 to actuate ball valve 38 and allow flow of fluid past piston head 33. The operators foot must follow treadle 69 in order to maintain that pressure necessary to hold ball valve 38 off its seat to continue the lowerin movement of the platform l0.

With the parts in the position of Fig. 2, the operator may wish to move the truck without lifting the load. He then need only depress treadle 69 to its position of Fig. 5 to move latch 54 to its full line position in that figure. The lever handle 52 may then be depressed to bring strut 58 past the latch 84 as in Fig. 5. If treadle 63 is now released, the spring 10 will act through pin l6 of the treadle to press the latch 64 into its dash and dotted line position of Fig. 5 and against strut 58. If at any time thereafter the lifting handle 52 is moved into its vertical position of Fig. 2, the strut 58 will move below latch i l allowing latch 64 to move into its lifting position of Fig. 2. The platform may now be lifted by handle '52 in the usual way without further manipulation of any of the parts.

I believe that the construction and mode of operation of my invention will now be fully understood.

I now claim:

1.-In a truck of the class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform mounted for lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a lifting member mounted for movement relativel to said lifting head and movable relatively, thereto to impart lifting movement to said elevating platform,v

means on said elevating platform movable into position to have movement imparted thereto and said elevating platform by said lifting member, a spring pressing said means into said position, and control means for moving the means on said elevating platform out of said position so that movement of said liftin member does not actuate said first named means.

2. In a truck of the class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform mounted for lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a lifting member, means mounting said lifting member for movement relatively tosaid lifting head to impait lifting movement to said elevating platform, means guiding said lifting member for movement on its mounting means in a predetermined path, and means on said elevating platform movable into and out of said path whereby when said means are in said path said lifting member will move said means and elevating platform to impart lifting movement to said platform.

3. In a truck of the class described,-a lifting head, an elevating platform mounted for lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a lifting member pivotally mounted for movement relatively to said lifting head, means for imparting aeria -else.

head, an.- elevating, platform, a lifting. lever Y thrust: to saiddiftingimemben through-its pivotal;

mounted onsaid lifting head, a lifting. strut piv- 'mounting wherebyto. impart-lifting; movementtm said elevating, platform, means. uiding. said lift ing; member; on. itspivotal mountingfor movement in a ,predeterminedpath, and. means on said;

elevatin platformmovable. into-and out: of: said.

path whereby when; saidmeansarein saidpath;

said; liftingmember wilLmove-said. means and, elevating platformzto. impart lifting .movementto; said platform. I

4'. In a. truck. of, the class: described, a. lifting. head, an', elevating platform mounted for: lifting, movement relatively to saidxlifting, head,- .a lifting; member. mounted for movementrelativelyto said:

lifting head and;movabiezrelatively thereto to ime part:liftingmovement-.torsaid elevating platform,

means; on.said-elevatingrplatform guiding said:

lifting ;member for movement .in-a predetermined; path relatively to said; platforrmend means on. Said elevatin platform, movable into and out; of. saidpath. whereb when, said means; are: in. said path saidlifting; means will move said-means and. elevating platformito impart. lifting movement to said platform..

5 In a truckof the.class-. described; aliftin head, an elevatingplatform mounted-for. lifting.

movementrelatively to said liftingghead, a. lifting. member mountedfor movementrelatively tosaid. liftingheadand moyablarelatively thereto to im part lifting movement to said elevating. platform, guide a means. on said. elevating, platform guiding said lifting; member; for movement in .a predetermined path "relatively to, said. platform, and.- means' on said elevating platform movable into.

and out of saidpath whereby when; said; means.

arein saidzpathsaid lifting means. will move-said; means i and. elevating platform to impart. liftin movement to said; platform. While. when. said;- means. arenot, in said. path, said lifting; member will ;move;freely relatively to said guide means. of saidelevatingplatform..

6..In.atruck:of the class described, alifting. head,, an elevating platform mountedfor lift.-

ing, movement. relatively to, said lifting head, a.

' ment tosaidplatform .while, when .said means. are.

not in, said. path said lifting member will move. freely of: said, elevating platform.

7; In? a. truck of. the. class described, a lifting.

head,. an elevating platformv mounted for lifting.

movement relatively to. said lifting. head, a lift..- ing. member, meansmounting; said lifting, meme her for movement relativelyto said. lifting head.

to. impart lifting movement.- to. said elevating,

platform, meansyguiding, said lifting membenfor. movement on its mounting means in a predeter-- mined: path, and. means on said. elevating-,platform; movable into and. out ofsaid" path whereby.- when. said means. are; in, said path said lifting. member. will move said means. and elevatingplate form to impart. lifting movementto. said, platform. while whenl'saidrmeans. are, not in said path. saidl lifting member wilhmove. freely of. said. elevating platform.

8., In, a tmcklof .thelclass. described,, a;

oted. for. free pivotal. movement-on: said lifting lever whereby vertical lifting movement is imparted to saidlifting strut by said. liftinglever,

means. guiding, saidstrut on;.its pivotal mounting for; movement in apredetermined path and. nieanson said elevating, platformmovable into said path to have. movement imparted thereto and said elevating platform by 'saidlifting strut. 9...In a. truck. of a the. class described; a. liftinghead an elevating .platform,, a. lifting. lever. mounted; on said. lifting. head,. a. lifting, strut,.

means whereby.- vertical-e lifting, movement is imparted.- to said struttbv said lifting; lever: while. leaving said strut for movement relativelyto-said.

lifting lever,,means. guiding said strut for movement; relatively to. said lifting lever. in. asubstantial-ly' vertical; path,- relatively, to said platform, and means on saidelevating platformother. than said. guide means: cooperable with. said. strut. to impart. lifting movement to said. elevating platform. d

- 10: Ina'. truck; of: the class described, a.lifting head, an elevating, platform,. a. liftinglever mounted.- on saidlifting head, a, lifting; strut,

means whereby vertical lifting movement.- is impartedtoz-said strut by'said lifting lever while leaving, said .strut.free-.-for movementirelatively, to

said ;lifting-. lever, means on said-elevating plat;-

form: guiding; said. strut-for movement relatively to. said lifting lever in a 'substantially vertical path relatively to; said. platform, .andmeans on said, elevating, platform movable. into and out. of saidv path, wherebyv when said means are in said path said strut. willmove said.,means: to impart whensaid meansarenot in .said path said lifting strutrwillmove freelyof said;elevatingmlatform.

11. In a truck; of .the class described, a. lifting head, an, elevating platform a, lifting lever mounted. on said. lifting, head, a lifting: strut,

means wherebvvertical, lifting. movement isimparted to. said. strut bytsaid lifting, lever while leaving said .strut free, for, movement relatively to said lifting. lever, means guiding said strut. for

movement relatively to said liftin i lever in. a.

substantially vertioalpathrelatively to said platform.-. and means. on. said. elevating platform m-ovableinto .and out; of. said path whereby when said. means. are ,in. said path said. str.ut.willv move saidmeans toimpart lifting. movement to saidelevatingplatform, while. whensaid means are not .in .saidpath. said: liftingstrutlwill. move, freely of. said. elevating platform...

12'... In a. truck. of the class described, a. lifting .head,.. an elevating platform mounte.d for lift.-

. ing, movementv relatively, to. said. lifting. head, a

form guiding, said strut for movementin a path.

substantially insaidsteeringaxis, andmeanson said. elevating platform .movable, into and out.v of saidvpath whereby when. saidmeansarein said path saidstrut will'move.(said$means.- to impart lifting, movement to. saidv elevating platform,

while when saidimeans. are notinsaid path said hftmgstrut Willjmove. freely, offsaid'elevating plat.- form.-

I a 1'3: Ina: truckiof the class..described',,a liftm v ingheamanelevating,platform mounted-for.lift= ing movement relatively to said lifting head, a steering head rotatable on said lifting head, a steering and lifting leverpivoted on said steering head, a lifting strut mounted for vertical movement in the steering axis of said steering head by downward vertical swinging of said steering and lifting lever, an inverted cone on said elevating platform guiding said strut for movement in a path substantially in said steering axis, and means on said elevating platform movable into and out of said path whereby when said means are in said path said strut will move said means to impart lifting movement to said elevating platform, while when said means are not in said path said lifting strut will move freely of said elevating platform.

14. In a. truck of the class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform mounted for lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a steering head rotatable on said lifting head, a steering and lifting lever pivoted on said steering head, a lifting strut pivoted at its lower end on said steering and lifting lever for vertical movement in the steering axis of said steering head by downward vertical swinging of said steering and lifting lever, guide means on said elevating platform guiding the upper end of said strut for movement in a path substantially in said steering axis, and means on said elevating platform actuated by said strut to lift said elevating platform.

15. In a truck of the class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform mounted for lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a lifting member mounted for movement relatively to said lifting head and movable relatively thereto to impart lifting movement to said elevating platform, guide means guiding said lifting member in a predetermined path, a latch on said elevating platform movable into and out of said path whereby when said latch is maintained in said path said lifting member will impart lifting movement thereto and to said elevating platform, means for moving said latch out of said path whereupon said lifting member will move past said latch and said platform will not be lifted thereby, and a spring normally pressing said latch into said path.

16. In a truck of the class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform mounted for lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a lifting member mounted for movement relatively to said lifting head and movable relatively thereto to impart lifting movement to said elevating platform, guide means guiding said lifting member in a predetermined path, alatch on said elevating platform movable into and out of said path whereby when said latch is maintained in said path said lifting member will impart lifting movement thereto and to said elevating platform, means for moving said latch out of said path whereupon said lifting member will move past said latch and said platform will not be lifted thereby, and a spring normally pressing said latch into said path and against said lifting member when said lifting member is once moved past said latch when said latch is retracted, said latch moving under the pressure of said spring into said path once said lifting member is returned into a position below said latch.

17. In a truck of the class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform mounted for lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a lifting member mounted for movement relatively to said lifting head and .movable relatively thereto to impart lifting movement to said elevating platform, a latch on said elevating platform movable into and out of the path of movement of said lifting member whereby when said latch is maintained in said path said lifting member will impart lifting movement thereto and to said elevating'platform, means for moving said latch out of said path whereupon said lifting member will move past said latch and said platform will not be lifted thereby, and a spring normally pressing said latch into said path and against said liftin member when said lifting member is once moved past said latch whensaid latch is retracted, said latch moving under the pressure of said spring into said path once said lifting member is returned into a position below said latch.

18. In a truck of the class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform mounted for lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a lifting member mounted for movement relatively to said lifting head and movable relatively thereto to impart lifting movement to said elevating plat form, a latch movably mounted on said elevating platform and adapted to receive lifting thrust from said lifting member when said latch is held in the path of movement of said lifting member, said latch moving to one side to allow for movement of said lifting member relatively thereto and said elevating platform, and means biasing said latch toward receiving the thrust of said lifting member.

19. In a truck of the class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform, a lifting lever mounted on said lifting head, a lifting strut, means whereby vertical lifting movement is imparted to said'strut by said lifting lever, a latch movable on said elevating platform into and out of the lifting path of said strut and adapted when in said path to receive lifting thrust from said strut to lift said platform while when out of said path to allow by-passing thereof by said strut, a spring urging said latch into the path of said strut and adapted to press said latch against said strut when said strut has bypassed said latch whereby upon return of said strut by upward swinging of said liftin lever said latch is pressed into said position in the path of said strut.

20. In a truck of the class described, a liftinghead, an elevating platform, a lifting lever mounted on said lifting head, a lifting strut, means whereby vertical lifting movement is imparted thereto by said lifting lever, a latch movable on said elevating platform into and out of the lifting path of said strut and adapted when in said path to receive lifting thrust from said strut to lift said platform while when out of said path to allow by-passing thereof by said strut, a spring urging said latch into the path of said strut and adapted to press said latch against said strut when said strut has by-passed said latch whereby upon return of said strut by upward swinging of said lifting lever said latch is pressed into said position in the path of said strut, and manually operated means for moving said latch out of the path of said strut to allow by-passing of said latch by said strut to yield a free lifting lever.

21. In a truck of the class described, a liftin head, an elevating platform, a lifting lever mounted on said lifting head, a lifting strut, means whereby vertical lifting movement is imparted thereto by downward swinging of said lifting lever, a latch movable on said elevating platform into and out of the lifting path of said strut. and adapted when in said path to receive asap-ma relatively to saidlifting head, and movable, rfllar; tively thereto to impart, lifting movementt Said elevatins' platfo m, a irinsfi edi on -:saide atinsformawhile when outafysaid path to :allow by pass'ing thereof by said .strutya spring urging? said latch into the path of said'strut and adapted to :press saidlatch against said strut when said strut has. by-passed said latch whereby upon re.- turn of said strut by upward swinging ofsaid lift-,

ing lever said latch is pressed into. saidposition in the-path of saidstrut, means for holding said elevating platform in a lifted position whereupon, said lifting lever; and strut will have free. movement between apositionv corresponding to, con-' tact of said latchby-said strut and the full upward position, of saidliftinglever. 22., In a truck of the class described, a ,lifting head, an elevatingplatform, alifting lever I mounted on said lifting head, a lifting strut,

' means whereby vertical lifting movement is im-;

v to lift said platform while when outvof said path tojallow by-passin thereof by said strut, a spring urging said latch intothe path of said strut and adaptedto press said latch against said strut when said strut hasby-passed said latch whereby uponreturn of said strut byupward swingingof saidlifting lever said latch is pressed into said position infthe path of said'str'ut', means holding said elevating platform in a lifted position, and manually operated means for-moving said latch out of the path ofsaid strut to allow .bypassing of said latch by said strut'to yield afree lifting leverv and for thereafter actuating said holding means to allow lowering of said elevating platform.

23. In a truck of the class described, a lifting head, an .elevating platform; a lifting lever mounted -on said lifting head, a lifting strut, means whereby vertical lifting movement is imparted thereto by downward swinging movement of said lifting lever, means guiding said strut for movement in a predeterminedlifting path when it is actuated by said lifting lever, a latch movable on said elevating platform into and out of the lifting path-of'said strut and adapted when in said path to receive lifting thrust from said strut to lift said, platform while when out of said path to'alloW-loy-passing thereof by said strut, a spring urging said latch into the path I of said strut, means'for holding said elevating platformin any lifted position to which it is moved by said strut whereupon said lifting lever and strut will have free movement between 'a position corresponding to contact of said latch by said strut andthe full upward position of said I lifting lever. a v v i 24. In a lifting truck of the class described, a'lifting head, an elevating platform mounted for upward lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a lifting'member mounted for movement relatively to said lifting head and movable relatively thereto to impart lifting movement tosaid elevating platform, a ring fixed on whereby to obstructthe movement of said lifting member inwardly of said sleeve, and means formoving said latch relatively to said sleeve.

,25. In a lifting truck of the class described, a

lifting head, an'elevating platform mounted for" upward lifting movement relatively tosaid lifting head, ;a lifting; member mounted for movement platform and in which said lifting member is guided for freemovement inwardlyand outwardly relatively to said sleeve and a latch adapted to.

move relatively to said-ringinto blocking relation to said lifting member whereby to receive liftin thrust from said liftingmember to lift said elevating platform. I I, e

26.v In a truck of the class described, alifting head, an elevating platform;mounted forlifting movement relativelyto said lifting head, .a

steering head rotatable onsaid lifting head, a. steering and (liftin lever pivoted on said steering head, a lifting strut mounted for vertical movement in the steering axis of said steering head by downward vertical swinging of saidsteering andlifting lever, a sleeve-like member fixed on said elevating platform and within which reciprocates said strut, said sleeve-like member lying with itstaxis substantiallyin the steering axis of said steering head in all lifted positions of said elevatingplatform, and a latch adapted to move relatively to said sleeve-like member into blocking relation to said strut whereby toreceive lifting thrust from said strut to lift said elevatjing platform. v 27. In a lifting truck of the class described, a

lifting head, an elevating platform mounted for upward lifting movement relatively 'to said lifting head, a liftingmember' mountedfor movement relatively to. said liftinghead and movable relatively thereto: to impart lifting movementto said elevating platform, a sleeve-like member fixed on said elevating platform and in which said lifting member is guided for free movement back and forth, and alatch movable on said sleeve-like member to receive the her. a Y

i 28. In a; truckof the-class described, a lifting head, an elevatin platform mountedfor lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a steerthrust of saidlifting meming head "rotatable onsaid lifting head, a steering and lifting lever pivoted on saidsteering head, a lifting strut mounted for vertical move ment in the steering axis of said steering head by downward vertical swinging of said steering and lifting lever, a sleeve-like memberfixed on said 9. In a lifting truck of the class described, a

lifting head, an elevating platform mounted for upward lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a lifting member mounted for movement relatively'to said lifting head .and movable relativelythereto to impart lifting movement to said elevating platform, a sleeve-like member fixed on said elevating platform and in which said lifting member is guided for free movement back and. forth, a latch movable relatively to said sleeve-like member into and out of the path of said lifting member and .adaptedwhen in said path to receive lifting thrust from saidlifting member to lift said platform while When 'out .of said path to allow by-passing thereof by said lifting member, a spring urgingv said latch into the path of said lifting member andadapted to press said :latch'against 'saidlifting. member when said upon return of said lifting member by upward swinging of said lifting lever said latch is pressed into said position in the path of said lifting member.

30. In a truck of the class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform mounted for lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a steering head rotatable on said lifting head, a lifting strut mounted for vertical movement in the steering axis of said steering head by downward vertical swinging of said steering and lifting lever, a, sleeve-like member fixed on said elevating platform and within which reciprocates said strut, said sleeve-like member lying with its axis substantially in the steering axis of said steering head in all lifted positions of said elevatin platform, a latch movable relatively to said sleevelike member into and out of the lifting path of said strut and adapted when in said path to receive lifting thrust from said strut to lift said platform while when out of said path to allow bypassing thereof by said strut, a spring urging said latch into the path of said strut and adapted to press said latch against said strut when said strut has by-passed said latch whereby upon return of said strut by upward swinging of said lifting lever said latch is pressed into said position in the path of said strut. I I 31. In a lifting truck of the class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform mounted for lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a steering head rotatable on said lifting head, a steering and lifting lever pivoted for vertical swinging movement on said steering head and rotatable with said steering head, a strut pivoted at its lower end relatively to said steering and lifting lever wherebyto be moved by vertical swinging of said steering and lifting lever, said strut swinging freely on its pivotal mounting when so moved unless guided, a circular guide member fixed on said elevating platform and through which said strut passes for guiding said strut for movement in a generally vertical path, and means on said elevating platform contacted by said strut when moved in said path for lifting said elevatin platform.

32. In a lifting truck of the class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform mounted for lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a

rotatable with said steering head, a strut pivoted at its lower end relatively to said steering and lifting lever whereby to be moved by vertical swinging of said steering and lifting lever, said strut swing ng freely on its pivotal mounting unless guided, a circular guide member fixed on said elevating platform with its central axis substantially aligned with the steering axis of said steering head, said strut lying at least partially in said circular guide member in all positions thereof so as to be guided thereby for movement in a generally vertical path, and mean on said elevating platform contacted by said'strut when moved in said path for lifting said elevating platform.

33. In a truck of the class described, a lifting head, an elevatingplatform mounted for lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a lifting leverpivoted on said lifting head, a lifting member bearing at a part thereof against a thrust surface on said lifting lever whereby downward vertical swinging movement of said lifting lever moves said lifting member in a lifting direction,

slot. 36. In a truck of the class described, a lifting and a second thrust surface on said lifting lever adapted to contact a second part of said lifting member upon continued vertical swinging movement of" said lifting lever, after which said first thrust surface leaves said first part of the lifting member and said second thrust surface completes the lifting movement.

. 34. In a truck of the class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform mounted for lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a liftinglever pivoted on said lifting head, a lifting member bearing at a part thereof against a thrust surface on said lifting lever whereby downward vertical swinging movement of said lifting lever moves said lifting member in a liftin direction, and a second thrust surface on said lifting lever adapted to contact a second part of said lifting member upon continued vertical swinging movement of said lifting lever, said second thrust surface being nearer the pivot axis of said lifting lever than said first thrust surface.

35. In a truck of the class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform mounted for lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a lifting lever pivoted on said lifting head, a lifting member having a pin and slot connection with said lifting lever through which the lifting lever imparts initial movement to said lifting member as said lifting lever swings downwardly, the pin being then at one end of the said slot, and a thrust surface on said lifting lever adapted to contact a surface of said lifting member upon continued vertical swinging movement of said lifting lever for thereafter actuating said lifting member to complete the lifting movement while said pin moves toward the opposite end of said head, an elevating platform mounted for lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a lifting lever pivoted on said lifting head, a lifting surface on said elevating platform, a lifting member bearing at its upper end against said lifting surface and at one part of its lower end against a thrust surface on said lifting lever whereby downward vertical swinging movement of said lifting lever moves said lifting member in a lifting direction, and a second thrust surface on said lifting lever adapted to consteerin head rotatable on said lifting head, a

tact a second part .of the lower end of said lifting member upon continued vertical swinging movement of said lifting lever, after which said first thrust surface leaves, said first part of the lower end of said lifting member.

3'7. In a truck of the class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform mounted for lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a lifting lever pivoted on said lifting head, a lifting surface on said elevating platform, a lifting member bearing at its upper end against said lifting surface and slotted at its lower end for engagement with a pin on said lifting lever whereby downward vertical swinging movement of said lifting lever moves said lifting member to apply lifting pressure to said lifting surface, and a thrust portion of said lifting lever adapted to contact a thrust surface of said lifting member upon continued downward vertical swinging movement of said lifting lever to complete the lifting movement while said pin moves in said slot.

38. In a truck of.the class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform, means supporting 'said elevating platform for lifting movement relatively to said main frame, a steering head rotatable on said lifting head, a steering and agaeotasa iiftinsalevezi pivotcdioni fsaid.steeringsheadafor vertical: ;,swinging2.tmcvement; --r,elatively thereto and adapted toe-rotate.saidisteering, head:.-;-a strut bearing; atyit ower;= end-. against :avthrustsurface integral-Jan -::said steering and lifting lever whereby downwardn vertical swinging movement of: said: steering. I and lifting lever? applies alifting pressure to: said strut,- means: whereby said-strut is maintained for rotation- .with: said: steeringglever j ,while "movable relatively to said thrust surface, and, a second =thrustjsurfa ce l on said steering and lifting leveradapted-to contact; said strut to apply lifting ;.pressure -thereto after? predetermined downward swinging" movement'; of: said steering andjlifting lever. 1,

'39". I n: ,-atrucker the class-described; alif-ting head, anz'elevating pl-atfor,m, meansv supporting said-elevatingplatform:for:lifting movement: rel-' atively: to- S9.-idf main frame, a steering. headrotat'abl'eron saidliftingihead, a steering and lifting lever pivoted on said steering head for vertical swinging movement relatively thereto and adapt- I ed to rotate said steering head, a strut bearing 7 at its lower end against a thrust surface integral with said steering and lifting lever whereby downward vertical swinging movement of said steering and lifting lever applies lifting pressure to said strut. means whereby said strut is maintained for rotation with said steering lever while movable relatively to said thrust surface, a second thrust surface on said steering and lifting lever head-, :an "elevating; platform adapted -forlifting and lowering movement relatively to said-lifting head; a. hydraulic assembly for: controlling r the loweringymovement of said elevating platform rel'ativelytosaid lifting head and including fa cylinder and a ram in said cylinder, means pivoting the lower end of said cylinder tosai-d'lifting head,

' abored sleevecarriedbyisaidrelevating. platform,

valve controlling: means.

said ram being, secured toxsaid-sleeve -so' that upward movement: of said elevating platform is simultaneous withthe movement 'ofsaid ramupwardly in said cylinden: valve controliingame'ans for said hydraulic-assemblyvextendingdnto com dashpot assembly comprising a ram and cylinder adapted to contact said strut to apply lifting pressure thereto after predetermined downward swinging movement of said steering and lifting lever, and guide means on said elevating platform for guiding said strut in its lifting movement. l I

40. In a truck of ,the class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform adapted for lifting and lowering movement relatively to said lifting head, a hydraulic assembly for controlling the lowering movement of said elevating platform relatively to said lifting head and including a cylinder and a ram in said cylinder, means pivoting the lower end of said cylinder to said lifting head, a bored sleeve carried by said elevating platform, said ram having a bore through which said sleeve passes whereby said ram is secured to said sleeve so that upward movement of said elevating platform is simultaneous with the movement of said ram upwardly in said cylinder, valve controlling means for said hydraulic assembly extending into communication with the bore of said sleeve, and means movable in said sleeve for actuating said valve controlling means.

41. Ina truck of the'class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform adapted for lifting and lowering movement relatively to said lifting head, a hydraulic assembly for controlling the lowering movement of said elevating platform relatively to said lifting head and including .a cylinder and a ram in said cylinder, means pivoting the lower end of said cylinder to said lifting head, a bored sleeve carried by said elevating platform, said ram having a bore through which said sleeve "passes whereby said ram is secured to said sleeve so that upward movement of said elevating platform is simultaneous with the movement of said ram upwardly in said cylinder,

valve controlling means for said hydraulic assembly extending through said ram into communication with the bore of said sleeve, and means movable insaid sleeve for actuating said valve controlling means. I

v 42. In a truck of the class described, a lifting positioned between said lifting head and said elevating platformfor holding said elevating platform in all positions to which it is lifted by said lifting means, valve mechanism in said dashpot assembly whereby said dashpot. is controlled to hold said elevating platform in elevated positions relatively to said lifting head and to release said elevating platform for lowering movement relatively to said lifting head, control mechanism for said lifting means whereby to condition said lifting means so that they are inoperative to lift said levating platform, and a single device for sequentially operating said control mechanismand said valve mechanism.

44. In a truck of the class described, a, lifting head, an elevating platform adapted for lifting and lowering movement relatively to said lifting head, mechanical lifting means extending between said lifting head and elevating platform operable to lift said elevating platform, a treadle for rendering said mechanical lifting means inoperative to lift said elevating platform, a hydraulic assembly for controlling the lowering movement of said elevating platform relatively to said lifting head and including a cylinder and a ram in said cylinder, means pivoting the lower end of said cylinder to said lifting. head, a bored sleeve carried by said elevating platform, said ram having a bore through which said sleeve passes whereby said ram is secured to said sleeve so that upward movement of said elevating platform is simultaneous with the movementof said ram upwardly in said cylinder, valve controlling means for said hydraulic assembly extending into communication with the bore of said sleeve, and avalve controlling cam movable with said'treadle and mounted in said sleeve for actuating said valve controlling means.

45. In a truck of the class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform, means mounting said elevating platform for lifting and lowering movement relatively to said lifting head, a hydraulic dashpot assembly comprising a ram and cylinder extending between said elevating platfor operation outwardly of said ram for moving said valve.

46. In a, truck of the class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform, means supporting said elevating platform for lifting movement relatively to said main frame, a steering headrotatable on said lifting head, a steering and "lifting lever pivoted on said steering head for vertical swinging movement relatively thereto and adapted to rotate said steering head, a strut bearing at its lower end against a thrust surface integral with said steering and lifting lever whereby'downward vertical swinging movement of said steering and lifting lever applies lifting pressure to said strut, aninverted cone-like member in which the upper end of said strut slides in all positions thereof, said cone-like member being formed as a part of aid elevating platform and lying with its cone-like opening substantially over .the axis of said steering head, and a latch slidable relatively to the said cone-like opening to accept the thrust of said strut as said strut is directed toward said latch by said cone-like member.

47. In a truck of the class described, a lifting head, an elevating platform mounted for lifting movement relatively to said lifting head, a lifting member, a hollow cone-like guide for said lifting member and within which said lifting member reciprocates, and a latch mounted for movement relatively to said cone-like guide and extending into blocking relation to said lifting member.

' within which said lifting member reciprocates when moved relatively to said lifting head.

GEORGE QUAYLE. 

